Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco’s two Piano Concertos form a contrasting pair. Concerto No 1, written in 1927, is a vivid and witty example of his romantic spirit, exquisite melodies and rich yet transparent orchestration. Concerto No 2, composed a decade later, is a darker, more dramatic and virtuosic work. The deeply-felt and dreamlike slow movement and passionate finale are tinged with bleak moments of sombre agitation, suggestive of unfolding tragic events with the imminent introduction of the Fascist Racial Laws that led Castelnuovo-Tedesco to seek exile in the USA in 1939. The Four Dances from ‘Love’s Labour’s Lost’, part of the composer’s recurring fascination for the art of Shakespeare, are atmospheric, richly characterised and hugely enjoyable. This is their first performance and recording.

"...The Malmö players are also clearly inspired by these unjustly neglected works: the performances fizz and sparkle under the direction of Andrew Mogrelia, and Marangoni’s dedication to the cause is just as apparent in his vivid playing as in his musicological endeavours. Excellent."

Ivan Moody - International Record Review - July 2012

"...The performance is all you might want and the recording excellent and immediate... the Swedish orchestra play as if they have been familiar with this music for years. They are aided by Marangoni’s scholarship to say nothing of the background work and enthusiasm of Andrew Mogrelia."

Gary Higginson - MusicWeb-International.com - July 2012

"...Italian composer Mario Castelnuovo-Tedesco is primarily known for a 1940s recording by the unforgettable Andrés Segovia of the Guitar Concerto with small string orchestra. The textual writing is mainly intimate and light-hearted in style and timbre. Piano Concertos 1 in G minor and 2 in F major spanning 1927 to 1937 respectively possess a delightful breezy charm and timbre, and on this Naxos recording Alessandro Marangoni joins the Malmö Symphony and Andrew Mogrelia.This is just the CD to start the day and brush away cobwebs from the previous night. Needless to say, performances are excellent, and the recording matches the artistry."

Music & Vision - July 2012

"...…this release now goes to the top of the list from both the performance and sound standpoints. What’s more, you also get a world premiere, and all at the low Naxos bill of fare!"